Vietnamese mobile payment platform VIMO has partnered with Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO) to allow Chinese travellers in Vietnam to pay for their duty free shopping using WeChat.
Chinese tourists travelling to and from Ho Chi Minh City’s International Airport can now use the WeChat mobile app to pay for goods in DF&TR, according to SASCO, which boasts a large network of duty free shops, retail outlets, business class lounges and food chains at airports in Vietnam. SASCO aims to extend WeChat Pay to its other airport stores across the country later this year.
“Our plan for 2018 is to accept WeChat payment through VIMO at all airport outlets to create convenience for Chinese customers,” confirmed SASCO’s Deputy General Director Mr. Nguyen Van Hung Cuong.”
According to VIMO, Vietnam is considered to be one of the most attractive destinations in the region for the Chinese.
Last year, Chinese tourism alone generated nearly US$3bn (€2.49bn) for the country from approximately 3.5m visitors.
By enabling WeChat payments in Vietnam, VIMO says it aims to boost Chinese tourist spend in the country by 10% this year.
The mobile platform confirms it has around 500 high-end stores currently accepting WeChat payments at popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, including more than 50 stores at five international airports handling direct flights to and from China.
VIMO’s General Director Mr. Do Cong Dien stated that the firm will extend its acceptance of WeChat Pay to 2,000 more shops in 2018 to provide a convenient payment method for Chinese tourists, as well as boosting revenues for local merchants.